Is It Standard Practice: Are Earphones Included with Every Smartphone Purchase?
In the early days of mobile phones, earphones were not a standard accessory, with many phones lacking a headphone jack. However, this all changed in the early 2000s, particularly with the rise of music phones. Apple set a new standard by including earphones in the box with the first iPhone in 2007.
Fast forward to today, and phones come with a variety of accessories, including phone cases, screen protectors, power banks, and wireless earbuds. While most manufacturers, such as Samsung, Google, and Apple, still include earphones with their devices, this practice is not universal.
OnePlus, for instance, often excludes earphones, citing cost-cutting measures and encouraging users to explore third-party options. Similarly, some phones may come with a USB-C adapter instead of traditional earphones. Not all phones come with earphones, especially lower-end or budget-friendly models.
As technology advances, phone manufacturers may shift towards a more sustainable approach, reducing the inclusion of earphones in their packaging. This is a response to environmental concerns and an effort to promote reuse of existing accessories. Apple stopped including EarPods with the iPhone 12 series to reduce waste and promote AirPods.
The earphone landscape is changing with the rise of wireless earbuds, which offer greater convenience, better sound quality, and a more compact design. Some phones that come with wireless earbuds include the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Google Pixel 4, and Apple iPhone 12 Pro.
When purchasing earphones separately, consider factors like sound quality, comfort, and durability. It's essential to check the phone's packaging or documentation to confirm whether earphones are included.
In addition to earphones, as technology advances, phone accessories are likely to become more sustainable, offer immersive audio experiences, and integrate with AI-powered voice assistants. Leading smartphone manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Samsung (Galaxy S25 Ultra), Google (Pixel 9 Pro), and Apple (iPhone 16 Pro) have recently integrated advanced AI features and 5G connectivity into their devices, enhancing capabilities like AI-powered image editing, voice assistants, and improved network performance.
In the modern era, the focus on sustainability and advanced technology is shaping the future of phone accessories. It's an exciting time to be a mobile phone user!
